Latest news with #McDougal
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Millard County has approved a multi-billion dollar artificial intelligence data center
FILLMORE, Utah () — The Millard County Commission unanimously approved a rezone Tuesday, paving the way for its second major data center facility to be built. Mark McDougal, a partner with , went before the commission asking for a rezone of 4,000 acres of rural Millard County. 'Our plan is to take this area and make it into an exquisite artificial intelligence data center campus.' The data center is a multi-billion-dollar project and is expected to bring in billions more in revenue. McDougal told ABC4 the project is expected to begin construction and house tenants as early as 2026. The data center will host major artificial intelligence companies from across the globe. 'These data centers could be a huge blessing to everyone in Millard County,' Millard County Commission Chair Trevor Johnson said during a public meeting on the rezone. Vicki Lyman, a Commissioner with Millard County, noted the increase in tax revenue. 'The data centers will bring in tax base… which will make our property taxes decrease.' Two adults and child found dead in Millard County Not all residents are as optimistic about the data centers. One resident who lives across the street from the property said he moved to Millard County to avoid industrial zones. 'There's a reason we chose to live there. We'd like to try and preserve that as much as we can.' A representative with the Millard County Sheriff's Office also raised concerns about the project and the construction's effect on traffic. 'I'm not worried about the zoning, but… just how that traffic is going to affect that McCormick Road where we have little kids, we have animals,' one resident said in Tuesday's meeting. McDougal says despite being Utah's largest geographical area for a data center, his company's designs are meant to respect the privacy of the citizens, a group he identifies with. 'This project is actually on the farm that my family and I have been farming for the last two decades. I grew up here as a boy,' McDougal told ABC4. 'Our hope is that we can… integrate with the local population. We want to be neighbors.' The site of the future data center is found about a 25-minute drive northwest of Fillmore on a farm known as Triple C Farms, where McDougal is also an owner. McDougal created Joule Capital Partners in 2017. In the same year, companies like on top of building up their own centers. Now, the approval of the project moves to a conditional use permit, which will mark the final step before Joule can begin construction. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Latest headlines: Federal judge sides with a Utah religion that uses 'magic mushrooms,' citing new state law The longest winning streak in baseball history happened in SLC, and is now a film Dating horror stories- our intern shares her worst experiences The Utah Beer Festival is supporting suicide prevention this year Police presence in West Jordan blocks traffic on major roadway Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
NZ Herald
18-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Kwanza's Woodville maiden win a highlight for many reasons: John Jenkins
McDougal was pleased to bring up the milestone, particularly having been a part of Kwanza's journey since he was a foal at the Nelson's Airhill Stud property. 'Not too long ago, we were looking through the Hawke's Bay trainers and what their winners were, and I had 97 at that stage, so it was coming up,' she said. 'It was nice to get there.' Last Sunday's race proved a much easier watch for McDougal than her first winner. That was Kipling, who finished second over the line in a maiden highweight at Hastings in April 2007, before being promoted to first. That Sir Sian gelding carried the familiar chocolate, blue and yellow colours of Peter Grieve, a long-term supporter of McDougal. 'I trained him for Peter Grieve and Johnny Frizzell, and I've had a lot of winners in Peter's colours. 'Peter has given me a go right from the start, just when I was getting my trainer's licence, and has backed me all the way through.' Before joining Nelson in partnership in 2018, McDougal prepared 17 winners in her own right, with another legend of the jumping game, Mark Oulaghan, initially showing her the ropes during her brief time in Palmerston North. 'I took a year off after school because I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I ended up going to teachers' college in Palmerston North. I worked for Mark Oulaghan while I was there, so that's where I first got into racing.' McDougal was 21 years old when she first stepped through the gates at the Nelson's Airhill Stud property, with a mix of show jumpers and racehorses to work with at that stage. She stepped out on her own for a couple of years, working and training for Grieve, before her life came crashing down in 2007, when she was diagnosed with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (Hus), a blood condition that leads to renal failure. It was later realised that she would require a kidney transplant. That failed on the first attempt, leaving McDougal self-managing daily dialysis while waiting on a combined liver and kidney transplant. Three years later, she was able to have the second transplant. That was successful and McDougal now enjoys a normal life, where she is active and able to ride their stable's talented team of horses in training. 'Everything has been really good since the transplant. I haven't had any issues and the doctors have been happy,' she said. 'I am more susceptible to skin cancers and bits and pieces like that, but that's about it. 'I've been here for 10 years permanently, and I love riding every day. I think I would find it hard training from the ground. I like jumping on and getting a feel for the horse. 'I'm probably not as brave as I used to be, though.' Of the 83 victories she has collected alongside Nelson, 24 have been prestige races, including five of the past six editions of the Wellington Hurdle (3200m), and three of the past five runnings of the Great Northern Hurdle (4200m), with names such as The Cossack, Nedwin, No Tip and Perry Mason associated with the stable. They have consistently been among the country's leading jumps trainers and took the top spot in the 2021/22 season with 19 winners and an incredible strike rate of 2.37. 'I love seeing the horses come through right from a foal, as Kwanza did,' McDougal said. 'He actually had cellulitis early on in his leg, so we had to fix that up. Then seeing him through breaking in, training, racing, and now winning, it's pretty cool.' Kwanza was ridden to victory last Sunday by Jonathan Riddell, who has played an integral part in the hugely successful Hawke's Bay stable – initially when Nelson trained on his own and then later with McDougal in partnership. Riddell, 46, was delighted that he was able to bring up McDougal's century of wins, because the two go back many years. 'Jonathan has played a huge part in my career,' McDougal said. 'He and I used to showjump ponies when we were young, and he's been there all the way along. He rode for me before I came to Paul and Carol's, so it was quite nice to get that 100th winner with him.' Riddell recently chalked up his 1000th career win, and Kwanza brought up win number 989 in New Zealand. 'I want to get to 1000 New Zealand wins before I give it away,' Riddell said on Sunday. Big plans ahead for Fourty Eight The Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) has always been the major target for Fourty Eight this preparation, and the hopes of reaching the iconic race took a massive step forward at Woodville last Sunday when the 6-year-old gelding took out the Cody Singer Memorial Steeplechase (4000m) in convincing fashion. Raced by a large contingent of owners, including his Wairoa breeder Sheena Martin and several other Hawke's Bay people, Fourty Eight had been suffering from feet issues over the past couple of months. Trainers Shaun and Hazel Fannin thought, at one stage, their hopes of getting to the Great Northern were dashed. But Fourty Eight revived those hopes with a front-running display when scoring his maiden steeplechase victory by four-and-three-quarter lengths over Mr Fabulous, with a further 30-and-three-quarter lengths back to Muse in third. 'It was a good result,' said Shaun Fannin, who also rode the gelding. 'He does have a fair bit of ability, but he just can be a bit temperamental sometimes. 'He doesn't have great feet, but we have got a good farrier and we have managed to keep on top of them and get him back on track.' Another hurdle assignment is looming for Fourty Eight, with Fannin not ruling out their initial target of the Great Northern in September. Meanwhile, it was a bittersweet moment for Fannin when riding champion jumper West Coast to a courageous runner-up result behind Smug in the Glenanthony Simmentals Stud Hawke's Bay Steeplechase (4800m). 'He was unreal, he is just a champion,' Fannin said. 'He has carried 73 kilos start after start. 'I thought I was almost beaten at the 600m, and then we got over the third-to-last [fence] and he found another gear, like he always does. It's only in the last couple of strides that Smug came back and beat me.' Fannin will have to hop off West Coast in next month's Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) to ride his own stable runner Jesko in the Riccarton feature. West Coast, with Fannin aboard, has won the past three editions of the race, and the trainer said he isn't looking forward to facing off against the champion jumper for the first time. 'I have always been on his back, and he gives you so much confidence, so it will be a very different feeling going out against him,' he said. 'It is not something I am looking forward to.' HBPB annual weanling walk More than 20 young horses will be on display at the Hawke's Bay/Poverty Bay Thoroughbred Breeders annual weanling walk tour to be held on Sunday, July 27. The official weanling tour will begin at 10am at Wainui Farm, on Rosser Rd, where Richard McKenzie and Jordan Barrett will have four weanlings on show. The second stop will be at 10.30am at Keltern Stud, on State Highway 50, to look at be 11 weanlings and yearlings that have been handled by the team at Carlton Lodge. The tour then goes on to Guy and Brigid Lowry's Kiwikawa property on Kawera Rd at 11.30am where a further seven weanlings will be on display. The tour will finish with a 12.30pm lunch at Valley d'Vine Restaurant at Eskdale, where a silent auction of several donated items will also be held. Luncheon reservations are essential and can be made by emailing tracy@ National breeding awards July 26 The New Zealand thoroughbred breeding community will come together on Saturday, July 26, to celebrate another year of excellence at the Property Brokers National Breeding Awards at the Sir Don Rowlands Centre in Cambridge. The evening will acknowledge 24 individual winners of 37 Group 1 races, as breeders can again take pride in the global success of horses with the NZ suffix. The recently crowned Hong Kong Horse of the Year, Ka Ying Rising, and Australian star Mr Brightside will be among the leading contenders for the Property Brokers Seton Otway Horse of the Year, with triple Group 1 winner El Vencedor, in a nod to the calibre of equine produced. 'The National Breeding Awards remain the premier occasion to celebrate the exceptional achievements of New Zealand breeders and horses,' said NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Association chief executive Nick Johnson.
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Diamond Assets Announces Return of Founder Mike McKenna as CEO and Strategic Leadership Appointments
MILTON, Wisc.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diamond Assets, one of the nation's largest and most trusted Apple technology buyback partners, proudly announces three key leadership appointments. These strategic additions reinforce the company's commitment to empowering schools, businesses, government agencies, and channel/leasing partners to maximize the value of their Apple assets. Mike McKenna Returns as CEO Mike McKenna, who founded Diamond Assets in 2014, has returned to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Previously a member of the company's advisory board, McKenna now steps into a hands-on leadership role, overseeing sales and operations to drive continued company growth. 'I'm thrilled to be back in my seat as CEO at Diamond Assets and to help drive the organization's growth and success,' said McKenna. 'Mark and John bring decades of expertise in education and technology to the team. Their leadership will be instrumental in advancing our vision of providing the best trade-in experience while helping customers develop and implement long-term sustainable technology plans.' Mark McDougal Joins as Executive Account Director Mark McDougal will oversee the Southern region as Diamond Assets' new Executive Account Director. Bringing over 25 years of experience in education and technology—including a nine-year tenure at Apple—McDougal is well-equipped to help school districts implement effective and budget-conscious technology strategies. 'I joined Diamond Assets to help schools build smarter, more sustainable technology plans,' said McDougal. 'As a former educator, I understand the pressure to do more with less, and I'm excited to be in a role that helps districts unlock the full value of their technology investments.' John Starcke Named Vice President of Education John Starcke steps into the role of Vice President of Education, bringing nearly three decades of experience in strategic growth across K–12, higher education, and enterprise sectors. Prior to joining Diamond Assets, Starcke served as Regional Manager for K–12 Education at Apple, managing a $150 million portfolio spanning seven states. Starcke's ability to align technology initiatives with educational and organizational goals positions him to play a critical role in advancing Diamond Assets' mission and expanding its influence in the education sector. A Strengthened Vision for the Future These appointments signal a new chapter of growth and innovation for Diamond Assets. With McKenna's return reinforcing executive leadership and the addition of McDougal and Starcke bringing deep educational and technical expertise, the company is well-positioned to continue delivering sustainable, value-driven solutions to its clients. About Diamond Assets Based in Milton, WI, Diamond Assets partners with businesses, schools, and government organizations to develop sustainable technology plans that deliver meaningful return on investment. Specializing in IT asset management, Apple device buyback programs, and e-waste reduction, Diamond Assets empowers clients to maximize the lifecycle of their technology while supporting environmental sustainability.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
'Audrii's Law' signed into effect by Governor Abbott
The Brief Audrii's Law, or House Bill 2000, enforces a person convicted of child grooming in Texas to register as a sex offender. The bill was signed on Saturday by Governor Greg Abbott and will go into effect on Sept. 1, 2025. In 2024, 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham disappeared and was found dead days later. Don Steven McDougal, who was previously charged with enticing a child, pleaded guilty to capital murder for her death. HOUSTON - After being introduced in the Texas Legislature back in January, House Bill 2000, also known as Audrii's Law, was signed by Governor Greg Abbott on Saturday. The bill will go into effect on Sep. 1, 2025. RELATED: Texas girl Audrii Cunningham missing: Body found in Trinity River According to the bill, any person convicted of child grooming must register as a sex offender. Convictions such as enticing a child will now fall under the offense of child grooming. The backstory On Feb. 15, 2024, an AMBER Alert was issued for 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham after it was reported she didn't get on her school bus. Don Steven McDougal, 42, was announced as a person of interest. Officials say he was a friend of Audrii's father and was allowed to live in a trailer behind their house. SUGGESTED: Audrii Cunningham found dead, timeline of disappearance He admitted to Polk County authorities he left the house with Audrii the day she went missing. The day after his admission, the 11-year-old's body was found in Trinity River on Highway 59 near Livingston, Texas. The Harris County Medical Examiner's Office reports that she died of blunt head trauma, which was caused by homicidal violence. McDougal was charged with capital murder and pleaded guilty in exchange for a life in prison sentence without the possibility of parole. The backstory McDougal has a prior criminal history and was charged with enticing a child in 2007, but wasn't required to register as a sex offender because of a plea bargain. He received a two-year sentence. The Saturday following her disappearance, authorities announced that McDougal was being considered a person of interest in the case and had been taken into custody on Friday for an unrelated charge. Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app Authorities say McDougal was a friend of the family who lived in a camper behind the house where Cunningham lived with her father, grandparents, and other family. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, McDougal would occasionally drop her off at the bus stop or take her to school if she missed the bus. The Source Information was provided by the Texas Legislature website and previous FOX 26 reports about Audrii Cunningham's disappearance and death.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Inmate in Green Bay accused of threatening to cut Donald Trump's body up into ‘small chunks' has cash bond set at $50k
(WFRV) – An inmate at the Green Bay Correctional Institution recently had his cash bond set at $50,000 following allegations of making threats towards multiple public figures, like current President Donald Trump and Governor Evers. According to a criminal complaint obtained by Local 5, 39-year-old William McDougal was charged with multiple counts of making terrorist threats in addition to other charges. Back in August of 2024, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (WI DOJ) got a handwritten letter from an inmate at the Green Bay Correctional Institution (GBCI). 17-year-old hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after accidental shooting in Wisconsin The letter was allegedly sent from McDougal, and it reportedly included threats to the Governor of Wisconsin, Donald Trump (who was not the President at the time of the alleged letter), and the WI DOJ Building. Additionally, the letter mentioned cutting up Trump's body and other gruesome details on what he would do to other people. The complaint said McDougal has an 'extensive' criminal history dating back to 2003. That history reportedly includes 15 charges specifically for bomb scares, terroristic threats, battery or threats to judge, battery and unlawful use of phone. In September, authorities spoke with McDougal at GBCI. He admitted to writing the letter, and when asked why he did it, he reportedly said '(I) just kind of want to stay in prison I guess.' He also mentioned that if he was let out, there were 'bad things' in his head that he wanted to do, the complaint said. According to the complaint, McDougal claimed he would use pipe bombs and cherry bombs in people's gas tanks. When asked about the threats to Trump, McDougal reportedly said he just wanted to hurt some 'higher-up' people. Mayor in central Wisconsin declares State of Emergency after substantial storm damage, destruction McDougal also told authorities that he had previously sent letters like this, the complaint said. McDougal is charged with: Threat to prosecutor, repeater Felony Up to six years in prison (Can be increased by four years due to being a repeater) Terrorist threats – create risk of causing result, repeater Felony Up to three and a half years in prison (Can be increased by four years due to being a repeater) Terrorist threats – create risk of causing result, repeater Felony Up to three and a half years in prison (Can be increased by four years due to being a repeater) Disorderly conduct, repeater Misdemeanor Up to 90 days in prison (Can be increased by two years due to being a repeater) Court records show McDougal was in court on May 14 for his initial appearance. His cash bond was set at $50,000 and he is scheduled to be back in court for a competency hearing on June 9. Wisconsin State Patrol ramps up seat belt enforcement for Click It or Ticket campaign No additional information was provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
